Tree Identification

3 responses

Helena SF starts with ... This 10 meter evergreen tree is growing in the beachside suburb of Double Bay, NSW. The pod is woody and about 6-8 cms long. It contains 4 or 5 large seeds. The number of pods hang in clusters and is quite plentiful.
Would be interested in knowing what this tree is.

If you're wondering if the 'nuts' would be a tasty snack ... they are actually poisonous (unless processed by leaching and baking). I've haven't tried them, so can't comment on whether that's worth the effort.

Pademelon1 says... That is the Moreton Bay Chestnut - Castanospermum australe. It is a large tree that is originated in Southern Qld and a couple of pacific islands, but Indigenous Australians spread its range so it is found all across the great dividing range.

It is a common street tree being very hardy, wind-resistant and attractive in form, its bright red or yellow flowers also favourites of lorikeets.

On the other hand, the tree has invasive roots, the massive seedpod crops are potentially damaging and messy, and finally the seeds and leaves are poisonous. The seeds germinate readily so it can also become weedy.

Helena SF says... Thank you. The tree/s we’re mature trees. It was growing over a fence and the seed pods were very plentiful. None of them had germinated. Also noticed none of the seeds or seed pods were knawed on.